ECOSOCC Communique on the Escalated Call for removal of Economic Sanctions on the Republic of Zimbabwe

Dates:

March 06, 2019

ECOSOCC Communique on the Escalated Call for removal of Economic Sanctions on the Republic of Zimbabwe

PREAMBLE

We members of Southern African civil society convened under the AU ECOSOCC banner.

Mindful of the plight of the nation of Zimbabwe as a result of sanctions imposed on them by the international community.

Noting the impact of these sanctions on the economic and social configuration of the Southern African region in particular, and the African continent at large.

Hopeful of a positive outcome of a Zimbabwe free of sanctions and empowered by committed citizenry. Make the following contemplations towards the escalation of a removal of sanctions.

Hereby submit this advisory communique, escalating the Call for the Removal of sanctions in force against the Republic of Zimbabwe, for the Easing of the Economic and Humanitarian situation in the Republic.

KEY DELIBERATIONS

African Union Decision on Zimbabwean Sanctions:

In Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.219(XII) of 2009, after contemplating the Democratic process of Zimbabwe with the successes achieved and challenges faced, the African Union assembly called for the immediate lifting of the sanctions on Zimbabwe to ease the economic and humanitarian situation. This call was reiterated by the African Union in 2013 by the African Union Peace and Security Council.

Sanctions contemplated:

Zimbabwe is under 3 categories of economic sanctions, i.e. 3 resolutions adopted by the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union which are under the acts ZIDERA, AGOA and OFAC.

These sanctions have made it difficult for government to access lines of credit, debt relief and directly affects the country’s ability to meet its fiduciary obligations. The sanctions have also made it difficult for both government and private entities to access investment and financial services.

Due to the sanctions also being proclaimed on private entities in the agricultural, financial and mining industry, which are the main means of Zimbabwean contribution to the formal economy, they have affected the ability of the private sector in Zimbabwe to interact or carry about any ordinary business. This is therefore stifling its ability to make any meaningful contribution to the economy. This is resulting in the current 85% unemployment rate.

Impact of Sanctions on the Population versus the Impact on the Political Climate of Zimbabwe

The current situation of Zimbabwe, due to the list of companies on the OFAC and EU sanction list, is dire as these sanctions target job-creating entities which put the ordinary person through undue suffering.

Furthermore, due to state-owned enterprises being targeted, the sanctions regime makes it difficult for Zimbabwe, which like all African states rely on private public partnerships for economic growth, to maximize on the potentials of coordinated efforts between the government and civil society to resuscitate the economy.

The direct impact of the frustration from failed efforts to improve livelihoods in the Republic is the tensioning of the relationship between the state and its people. This is resulting in avoidable casualties in the form of human life and cooperation of efforts towards constructive nation-building.

ECOSOCC RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the matters contemplated above, we at ECOSOCC representing the Southern African Region:

CALL for the removal of economic sanctions against the Republic of Zimbabwe, its public and private institutions for the easing of the task ahead of solving the economic and humanitarian crises in the Republic.

REQUEST the formation of an Africa–Europe study group, through the AU-EU platform, to measure the impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe and to identify the opportunities for cooperation towards systemic economic reconstruction.

ADVISE for a cooperative roadmap to be configured, through dialogues between the government of the Republic of Zimbabwe along with its people and well-meaning partners, for a comprehensive approach towards resuscitation of industry and economic channels for the achievement of a prosperous and peaceful Zimbabwe.